Plasma-Activated Nitrite Mist for Tunable Peroxynitrous Acid Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomizing methods for peroxynitrous acid mist are limited in application and do not allow for adjustment of concentration peak values and half-life to suit various sanitization needs, such as hand-sanitization and room sanitization.
Innovation Solution
An atomizing method using an atomizer that generates peroxynitrous acid through plasma-activated mist with a pH range of 2 to 5, adjusting concentration and half-life by controlling nitrite concentration in the aqueous solution and using pH regulators to achieve desired sterilization effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If peroxynitrous acid is generated in a plasma producer alone, then the generation process is simple, but the application range is limited and cannot satisfy hand-sanitization and room sanitization needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the peroxynitrous acid generation process into two segments: (1) plasma activation of nitrite-containing aqueous solution to generate active species, and (2) sustained generation of peroxynitrous acid through chemical reactions in the mist phase. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both simplicity and versatility by separating the complex plasma generation step from the sustained chemical reaction step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nitrite-containing aqueous solution as an intermediary substance that mediates between the plasma source and the final peroxynitrous acid product. The nitrite serves as a precursor that, when activated by plasma, generates active species which then react to form peroxynitrous acid sustainably, thus expanding application range while maintaining process simplicity.
2Reliability
If peroxynitrous acid is generated with high concentration peak, then sterilization effect is strong, but half-life is short (approximately 1 second) limiting sustained action
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-introducing nitrite-containing aqueous solution that will sustainably generate peroxynitrous acid through plasma activation. This preliminary preparation of the precursor solution enables the system to achieve both high initial concentration and sustained generation over time, resolving the contradiction between strong sterilization effect and short half-life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by establishing a sustained chemical reaction mechanism where plasma-activated nitrite continuously generates peroxynitrous acid in the mist phase. This continuous generation process maintains both high concentration and extended duration, allowing the sterilization effect to persist beyond the initial plasma pulse.
3Productivity
If nitrite concentration is increased to enhance peroxynitrous acid generation, then generation rate increases, but controlling peak concentration and half-life becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by adjusting multiple variables including nitrite concentration, pH value (optimized at 2-5), and plasma discharge conditions. By independently controlling these parameters, the system can optimize both generation rate and concentration profile, achieving high productivity while maintaining precise control over peak concentration and half-life for different application needs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables sustained generation of peroxynitrous acid mist suitable for diverse applications, allowing adjustment of peak concentration and half-life to optimize hand-sanitization and room sanitization.
Implementation Method 1
peroxynitrous acid is sustainedly generated through plasma activated mist
Implementation Method 2
peroxynitrous acid is sustainedly generated through plasma activated mist, pH of the plasma activated mist being in a range from 2 to 5, wherein the plasma activated mist has been generated from an aqueous solution containing nitrite
Data Source
AI summary
An atomizing method using an atomizer in which peroxynitrous acid is sustainedly generated through plasma activated mist, pH of the plasma activated mist being in a range from 2 to 5, wherein the plasma activated mist has been generated from an aqueous solution containing nitrite, concentration of the nitrite being in a range from 10 micromolar to 10 milli-molar.